Sapporo Ice Festival Vs. Otaru Snow Festival Guide, Hokkaido
Ahoy pirates! 🤙
This Guide provides a comparison of two of Hokkaido's most iconic winter festivals: the Otaru Snow Festival and the Sapporo Ice Festival. With two winter seasons of exploring the snowy wonders of Hokkaido, I'm here to guide you through these breathtaking winter spectacles and provide tips along with a list of free things to do.
Otaru Snow Festival
Otaru, with its charming canals and historic streets, transforms into a winter wonderland during its Snow Festival in mid-February. Picture this: beautifully carved snow sculptures lining the serene canals, creating a dreamy, magical atmosphere. It almost reminded me of my old home, Amsterdam, just with tons of snow and no bicycles. Haha! And look at these monstrous icicles hanging down from the roof.The festival's emphasis on delicate snow art gives it a unique, artistic vibe. As you wander through the snow-lit streets, you're immersed in a magical blend of lights, tradition, and artistic expression.The best way to get there is a beautiful train ride directly along the oceanfront from Sapporo station or a more affordable heated public bus ride from Maruyama Koen. A tip here is to sit on the right side to enjoy the ocean scenery on the way. Find a video for another free bus ride in Hokkaido in the youtube video. Be aware that when the Snow Festival is held, it can get freezing cold, and I highly recommend either stopping by cafes and stores to heat up or wearing proper winter gear. Find the video for winter gear in the youtube video. The coffee shops, snack shops, and yes, ice cream shops are perfect for warming up, but I love sitting next to a heater and enjoying Otaru-brewed beer in a small local izakaya.
